The main difference between input lag and response time is, the input lag is the delay between a user-defined stimulus (Keystroke, button press etc) and the display in question, while the response time is the time required for a single pixel to change from one color to another.
Generally, the input lag and the response time is taken as same but there is a proper science behind it that needs to be checked prior to demanding anything good within the gear. The key to having the best ever display is to maintain the balance in the input lag and the response time, as either of the things with high or low performance can seriously affect the overall output.
That said, today we are especially going to expound the difference between the input lag and response time to clear the real picture for you. Also if you are planning to opt for the real-time quality monitor this information will be the through and through companion.
While it is pretty commonly obvers to perplex between the two aforementioned terms, these are one of the essential things that one needs to have proper knowledge of. So, let’s get to know the actual difference and how important it is to go gaming _or for gamers, as in TV and movies it doesn’t really matter that much!
What is Input Lag?
To make it easily understandable, the input lag or the display lag of a monitor or LCD is the definite amount of time that passes when a picture is produced by the source. The image we see on the screen and the time taken to create it is what the input lag is indeed. Input lag holds much importance when you are playing games and doing the graphical work and working on the detailed program such as CAD. Usually, the input lag of about 15ms or below is best for professional and regular gaming purposes.
Why does input lag hold much importance?
If you are anticipating the smoothness and the ever so delay-free gaming experience, the input lag needs to be high-end. The higher refresh rate ultimately makes the low input lag which is recommended for the best output. It holds the central importance to keep up the smooth pace in the pictures and the variation in different colorations.
If the refresh rate is high for instance, the input lag will ultimately become the recommended ad lower for better quality. Not only for graphics and games but for keeping the work smooth and well-paced the input lag needs to be taken into consideration for sure.
Input lag in gaming
If you are an enthusiastic gamer, you probably do not like the lagging that sluggish screen time. For televisions, the low input lag is the best. The latency or the time that is required to send data back to the server from the video game is a noticeable factor for achieving the fine input lag. Whatever you do in your input device like keyboard and mouse shows its action on screen which makes the game either appealing or just an annoying thing to bear all along!
Why using game mode
When you press the button on the joystick or on your keyboard, you certainly want your playing character to respond, right away. Therefore, using the game mode on televisions is what experts recommend. If you are using the TV screen for gaming, it should be in gaming mode. Certainly, for keeping up the smooth and fluid images and pictures the low input lag is something that is understood.
What should be the best input lag in gaming monitors?
In order to opt for the best input lag, 30ms (milliseconds) is the fair thing to consider in mind. Although you can always choose lower than that. It is usually preferable for gamers and for regular share the 30ms wouldn’t make any difference that a lower input lag is likely to make otherwise. The higher you go for the refresh rate the lower input lag you will have in return, which is undoubtedly the best thing.
What is Response Time?
On the contrary to the input lag, the response time of a monitor is that time in which the intended function replies to you. For example, when a color shits itself from one phase to another phase and the tile that is required doing so is what is called as response time. As a whole, the refresh rate, response time or the frame rate are almost the same thing on the same page. To make it even clearer, when you work on a graphics or you see the moving picture, the colors that are shifted from one screen to another is its response time.
The transition from black to white and again black in its perfect form is the response time of the monitor.
If you have the monitor that offers you the 60Hz of refresh rate, it actually means that it can refresh 60 pictures/images per seconds. For sure, this works wonderfully well for the gamers and for the graphical work related fraternity. Usually the 5ms or below response time is the best configuration that will deliver the quality output for first person shooter gaming.
Cruciality of response time
By now, you must have got the clear cut idea that response time is the time that is required to change the colors of a single pixel from one color to another. So, if you are planning to buy the display for playing the advanced level games, preferably the first person shooter (FPS) the smooth viewing angles and performance is all dependent on the response time. In first person shooter games, the response time readily kept lower.
Certainly to meet the real time fun of gaming and to keep the artificial performance at bay the lower response time is all that you need. Everybody likes the fluid-like flowing graphics and shifting of screen pace in no time. Therefore, the essentiality of response time is no less than a huge and smooth screen you see at first. After all, the performance is what you will experience at the end of the day.
Best response time for gaming
Whenever it comes to response timing or the refresh rate, the first thing is the game and its performance on-screen. Certainly, the fastest response time with the certainly to output in precise action allow the users to experience the next-level fluid motion pictures but what actually the best response time to be particular?
The best and recommended response time needs to be pretty much rapid in its response. With vivid display and chic style, the fast response time such as 5ms is something that instantly adds to the overall gear. However, the 5ms is not the limit. Now many of the modern gaming monitors are offering you the high-end and robust 1ms of response time which instantly makes the difference if you are new to it.
Can I differentiate between 4ms and 1ms?
If you are new to gaming and the whole tech experiencing approach, you might not experience it as clear as the regular user would do. However, the difference in either of the response time is 4ms and 1ms is pretty much obvious. Certainly, the 1ms of response time would offer you a more realistic and better graphical approach with quick speed.
MPRT vs GTG Response
Another thing that drew our attention while talking about the response time is GTG (Grey to Grey) response time. It is indeed the time in which the pixel shifts its coloration from the present state to the intended state. On the other hand, the MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) is referring to the time that keeps the pixel active to do the task. It is also measured in milliseconds.
Final Thoughts
As both, the input lag and the response time somehow deal with the screen speed, many of the users and buyers become confused pertaining to it. To clear that we have shed light in detail to each of the parameters and how it is best for gaming.
In short, both are essential for having a robust gaming experience. Like the names says, response time is the time that a function, especially the pixel, is required to change the single colors state to another state altogether, whereas the input lag of the monitor to TVs is the time in which a specific task ends.
When you press the button on remote control or on the keyboards, the time requires performing the task in its input lag. With that in mind it is hoped that you will now have a clear idea about these two things.
Certainly, the purpose of all this core information is to get you the quality and innovative monitor that works more like a smart gear. So, before making any final move, you should pay heed to the reviews and opinion of different users that have used that monitor you are anticipating. Moreover, if you are opting for a well-known brand, you will likely find the best and reliable display that is perfect to meet the requirements.